Joshua, 11, has been feeling sick since the first of the year (2016). Lisa kept bringing him to the doctor to address his frequent vomiting. Other issues Joshua has been experiencing are drooling, headaches, blurred and double vision, and then in the last few weeks, his speech was sounding a little different.

On February 1, 2016, Lisa brought him to the doctor again to address the vomiting and the other symptoms. A CT scan was ordered. The next day, he received a CT scan with and without contrast. He threw up again when he came home, and the doctor told Lisa to go to the ER for an MRI. The MRI showed a mass on his brain, at which point Joshua was transferred to the ER at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

After meeting with a team of doctors, it has been determined that Joshua’s diagnosis is called DIPG. The doctors are still waiting for the biopsy results to determine if there is a trial medication that can help. It has been determined because of the location of the mass that surgery is not an option. Joshua has started radiation that will last several weeks.

The family is obviously very overwhelmed by this surreal situation. There is a Caring Bridge site that will be updated at the family’s request.

Joshua’s Hebrew name is Yehoshua ben Leora.

On behalf of Lisa, Dave, Jeff, and Mandy, they thank you for your prayers and support.

To give funds to the family to assist with expenses, please visit their Go Fund Me page.